Minister voices solidarity with Cuba on death of Castro

Cuba – Death of Fidel Castro – Statement by M. Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development

Paris, 26 November 2016

Fidel Castro has just passed away in Cuba. I extend my condolences to his family and express my solidarity with the Cuban people.

His passing marks the end of a chapter in 20th century history that was marked by hope for emancipation and disappointment in a system that did not respect human rights.

The recent resumption of dialogue with the United States paved the way towards ending the US embargo on Cuba, an embargo which France never accepted. I hope that these changes will continue and that they will be accompanied by the opening-up of this country to the world and by a response to the aspirations of the Cuban people for freedom.

In keeping with its values, France stands ready to support progress in this direction./.